How I Handle Stress

Today, my dad and I packed up and moved my stuff out of my apartment. Phew! t was a good situation and I really liked my housemate, but it was time to move on.

Moving is one the most stressful things a person can go through. Where. When. Who. Paint. Rent. Mortgage. Furniture. It is exhausting to think about.

I have some things figured out, others – no clue. I do know that I will need help and that is where my trouble lies, with asking for help. I turn my frustration and pain and lash out at myself. Why? A lot of people don’t know how to ask for help, but I believe my anxiety disorder really plays a part in this.

There is a stigma against people with mental illness that says we are incapable of living “normal” lives. This is and isn’t true. My life is normal; it is just different. But a little dose of stress in there and suddenly I am having more panic attacks, crying jags, tremors, sweats. Sigh. It is no fun.

Because I feel so bad, so anxious and so alone, I feel the need to self soothe, or in my case, self-harm. It doesn’t work, and all I’m left with are scars. What I really need to do when I get settled is find a new mental illness support group as well as therapist. I’ve been missing these things.

Look up NAMI and DBSA as well as Emotions Anonymous for groups to share your feelings with. Don’t let stress control you.

How I Handle Stress

Elaina J. Martin

Last updated: 29 May 2017Statement of review: Psych Central does not review
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